The desperate cry of wolves filled the moonlit air. This night, Lunars Night, was one of the worst battles in history. You could smell the coppery tang of blood rippling throughout the air. You could hear the battle cries of the people. Armies of thousands, if not millions, fought for a Lunar village, which just happened to be the village that Swordbolt’s mother was giving birth in, and not to make things worse, the last Lunar town. Humans and Lunars clashed in the light of the full moon. The shrieking of dying warriors and the triumphant roars of the victorious both rang out into the dusty night air. The stars twinkled above, perhaps the shining eyes of those lost in battle looking down at the scene below, watching their kind being struck down. Swordbolt looked at his hands and sword. They had been used in battle, still bright and new in places where the blade didn’t touch blood. He washed his hands and sword in a nearby lake. His sword master had always said, “An honorable warrior always keeps his weapon clean!” The lake was like a mirror of the outside world. Swordbolt did not think this now, but perhaps he would once the mundane thoughts of battle cleared his mind. For the moment, he went back into the bloodstained picture. He smacked an enemy soldier with the flat of his blade. CRACK! He could hear the snap of bone as he sent the human tumbling into another, bowling down a whole row of enemy warriors. Turning, Swordbolt was about to plunge back into the chaotic mass of fighting soldiers when he saw a small female shape racing down a hill, a bundle of grey-white blankets in her arms. As Swordbolt was not a full Lunar and could not do full Moon-form, his wolf skills were not very strong. However, when Swordbolt strained his senses, he could distinguish the human’s scent between the coppery tang of battle. His mother, Arabella, and his father, Mightybolt, ran down the nearest hill, Hill Jownfurs.
In her arms, there was a lump of a blanket, wriggling as she ran. Swordbolt fought his breath to try to shout, “Run, mother! Run while you still can!” Swordbolt’s vision stopped as an enemy knocked him over. He landed on a rock with sharp peaks that pierced his back like a stone sword, driving all his breath away. He saw mother and father running towards a moonlit oak tree—dewdrops formed on its edges, glowing under a trail of silver stars. “We need to hide her!” He heard his father frantically shout.“But where? There are so many people and-” His mother shrieked. Swordbolt didn’t hear the rest. Alarmed by the stop of the sentence, Swordbolt stabbed the person who knocked him down in the first place as he was about to knock him over once again. “G-go home! I’ll be fine.” His dad said hoarsely. “Swordfish!” She shouted, panicking. “Agh! I mean Swordbolt! What about him?” “I’m staying.” He called, running towards his parents.
“No! You-you need to be safe. And meet your sister. A-and- Please! I can’t risk losing you!” She said, still panicking. “And you can risk losing father?” Swordbolt shot at her, panting from his last encounter. “No, honey, It’s not like that-” she started, her face looked sad with too much grief. Swordbolt slashed and stabbed while straining to listen to his mother. “Swordbolt. I’m going to be fine. I’ll survive.” His father said hoarsely. “Your father is fierce. He’ll be fine. H-hopefully.” His mother said, giving a spot for him to sit where people might not easily see them.
He looked at his little sister. Her amber eyes glowed and made him warm for the first time this cold night. “Luna.” His mother breathed. “Her name is Luna. The day of battle.” Luna’s tiny hand reached out to Swordbolt. “On her thirteenth birthday, give her this,” Mightybolt said, handing a neatly wrapped package in brown cloth.
Luna pulled on Swordbolt’s blue-wrapped-in-string-braided hair strand. She cooed and flapped her arms as if she was trying to fly. “Hi, Luna.” He said. He flinched as he heard the cracking of twigs behind him. He turned to see a small army of human men coming towards them. He stood up, ready to fight this battle. As a winged human fell towards him, Swordbolt stabbed at him, making the human screech as the light went out of his eyes. His sword flashed in beautiful patterns of shapes and flowers as he slashed in all directions. He saw his father doing the same. Luna gurgled and squirmed toward Swordbolt as if sensing that he was in danger. But all he saw was blood. Even his vision was tinted red. Swordbolt slashed at a human with cat ears when he heard his mother scream. He whirled around to see her running off into the distance, chased by a human. “Mightybolt!” she screamed, but his dad didn’t hear it. Through the haze of battle, one thought struck Swordbolt’s mind.
Clinging on to him was the memory of Luna’s amber eyes, goofy smile, and dark brown hair. She would be waiting, waiting for him to come back. As he smacked each human with the flat of the sword, he made each hit for Luna. Each slash, each stab, each twirl of his blade, it was all for her. Now he had a reason to win this battle. All for Luna. His sister. The only one that will be the survivor among humankind. Luna... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

















Luna gazed out the window at the street. Luna never understood the point of kicking the black and white ball. She never understood the game her “Friends” played. She preferred to spend her weekends curled up in her bed, poring over fiction novels and books about the battle on Lunar’s Day. Luna could not stop wondering why her father and brother had left her to be part of the war. She did not know how to feel; angry that they had deserted her, grief that they had died, wonder at how brave they had been, or something else entirely. Luna didn’t remember them, and could not feel love for them. But had she ever met them? Even if she did, it was a memory that faded each day. Lost in her thoughts, Luna did not notice that her mother, Arabella Bolt, slipped into her room and was watching her. “Luna, you’ve been quiet. Is everything alright?” She jumped as she heard Arabella’s voice. “Oh, sorry.” Arabella apologized, seeing her bounce. Luna sighed and went back to reading her book, but now she was focused on what her mother would say to her and was barely even trying to read. Right now, she was looking at her dad’s journal, one of many... “Everything’s alright,” Luna replied to her mom’s first question. “Good,” Arabella said. After a few moments of silence, Luna hesitated before asking. “I- I was just wondering, what was dad’s first name?” Luna whispered. But her mother had slipped out just as quickly and quietly as she had slipped into Luna’s room. It felt odd, calling her dead dad ‘dad.’ Luna wasn’t used to it since she didn’t have one anymore. Luna went back to the books. She loved the smell and the feeling of being sucked into another world, where everything was how she decided it to be. Luna picked her own story and would see if she would rather have that kind of life. She would go to history and find facts about herself, also about her family. She would take the books from shelves and read her dad’s journals. She would learn more about who she was. For example, she had found out that a percentage of half-lunars, like her brother, could not transform but could have substantial effects. Hearing, seeing, smelling, etc. But certain people like herself, could be a full Lunar. Having less human than Lunar. “Hey, Sweetie, it’s dinner, so better get your food while it’s hot! Hurry up! You can read later, or at the same time, I don’t care.” Her mom called. Luna stared at the black and white ball, getting kicked into a net with multiple kids cheering. “What if they aren't dead? But what if they are?” Luna muttered. “It doesn’t matter. They aren't here now.” She decided as she closed her dad’s journal and her book and opened her blue door to the kitchen. She sat on the chair. “About your dad and those books you were reading, he planned a present to give you but, well. He’s not here, so I guess I mean, it’s time I give you your present. It’ll be a bit early.” “Early? My birthday was last week mom!” Luna exclaimed. “He wanted to give it to you for your thirteenth birthday.” “Oh.” Luna looked at her mom. “And...Where is it?” Luna rolled her eyes to see her mom look to the wall. “Oops. Uh, in the attic. Let me get it. Stay here, Luna.” “I’m coming!” Luna exclaimed. She followed her mom upstairs. Luna coughed as Arabella sweeped the dust off boxes.“Found it. Let’s go!” Arabella exclaimed. They climbed out of the attic and Luna looked at the gift. “Try not to ask too many questions about it… I don’t know a lot.” Arabella smiled. “Why? Didn’t dad explain, or, isn’t it a toy?” Arabella chuckled. “I don’t know.” Arabella laughed. “I told you, don’t ask!” Luna looked at her mother. “Your dad said it’s for Lunars. But..” Arabella sucked air through her teeth. “Well, I’m not a Lunar.” “WAIT, THE FOOD!!!” exclaimed Arabella, running down the stairs as smoke billowed up the hallway. Luna couldn’t stop laughing as her mother screamed downstairs. She stopped laughing as the smoke choked her. She opened all of the windows and breathed fresh air. Soon, the smoke cleared. When Luna finally came down, her mom was scowling. “You think it’s funny, do you?” Arabella sighed holding her laugh. “Well, at least I cooked soup. I could just skim out anything burnt.” After a minute, Arabella handed her a bowl of cream mushroom soup. “Mmm, it smells terrific! Thanks Mom.” Luna said, trying to comfort her mom from her loss of the soup. Luna took a spoonful of the delicious soup. It was still burnt. Her mom was able to save some, but it wasn’t as yummy as normal. Luna took a spoonful, and her taste buds still liked it. Her mom’s cooking was so good, it was still yummy a bit burnt. The table was unreasonably big for the two of them but they never bothered to buy smaller ones. Luna thought that this was just because her brother and father used to sit in those two empty chairs. Luna didn’t know why her mom didn’t throw them away. Why would she want reminders of the family they’d lost? Luna wondered if it was possible that they were alive, again. But was it? Luna never thought this hard about the possibility. Maybe they had left because they lost, but were still alive? Spread around Aroa? Like Luna. Hidden in the human town? As Luna climbed out of her thoughts, she soon realized she had finished her soup and was tinkering with her spoon. Arabella handed her the present after washing the dishes. For a moment, Luna just stared at it for a while, trying to imagine a man handing her this present with another boy smiling down at her. She imagined the boy from the photos in her dad’s journal. If only they could just appear right here, right now.















>

The present from her father was a package wrapped in a brown cloth, tied with a rough brown string. She had to admit it was a bit shabby, but that didn’t dim her excitement. This is the only thing left from her late father after all. She turned it around to make sure she didn't miss anything. It smelled old and dusty if that was a smell but it smelled sweet at the same time. A faint glow intrigued her attention immediately as she started opening the wrap. In the box she found A map... And a blue flower? She took the pretty blue and white speckled flower, that glowed a dim, bluish moon color. After thirteen years, this flower was still light as a feather, bloomed in her hand and glowed with infinite gentleness. “Is it a glowing flower!?” Luna guessed. “No, It’s what they call a Lunar or a moonflower,” Arabella said, laughing at her guesses. “Oh…” Luna said, drifting back to her thoughts. She did like the pretty flower, but what use could it be to her? To win a prize for the best garden? Moonflower, hmm…? It is so appropriate for it’s color and look. It is pretty. This flower captured Luna’s gaze for a while.“What does the flower do? Is it used for something? Are you supposed to drink it like tea? ?” Luna asked, getting out of staring at the flower. “Oh yes. It helps you with your first time transforming on your moon-form. I remembered your dad said this flower would wilt under the sun. Always remember to keep it in the dark. And don’t think about making a garden of these. They’ll wilt. They need moonlight. It’s summer. The night’s are shorter.” Arabella replied. “Oh, ok,” Luna replied, shortly after her mother answered. “There’s another thing you can use it for, but I’m not sure what it is,” Arabella said. Luna could not wait to know more about the flower but she understood her mother’s limitation as a human. “You have to go to find a place to be safe,” Arabella said. “I wish you could stay or I could come with you but I can’t come and you are in danger. With the effects coming-” Luna blinked at the sudden seriousness of the situation. Did one birthday present ruin it all? “My effects are here?” Luna said.” “Err...yes?” Arabella said. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Luna asked. “Why, I just figured it out!” Arabella exclaimed. In panic Arabella said “I’m getting you out of school,” “YES!” Luna said. Arabella gave her a blank stare. “Uh, yay?” Luna squeaked. “You need to leave as soon as possible. Tomorrow, not today.” Arabella said, as the sun soon was to fall and get swallowed by the horizon. But it stayed still. All of a sudden the bell sang. “Who’s that? I wasn’t expecting anyone. Did you invite someone?” Arabella asked. Luna shook her head no. They opened the door to find Luna’s Frenemy. Friend, enemy. “I’m sorry I forgot about your birthday present last week. Here. Happy belated birthday!” Riza said. They weren't good friends, as they barely got along. But they were friends… a little. “Uh, thanks!” Luna said. “Aww. Thanks so much, Riza! You're so kind!” Arabella said. Luna forced a painted smile. It must’ve been obvious because then Riza frowned. “Are you okay? Don’t you like the gift?” Riza asked. “Well, I don’t know! I haven’t opened it yet!” Luna exclaimed. “Thank you, Riza.” Luna said. “Want cake?” Arabella asked. “Cake?” Luna said simultaneously with Riza. “Always,” Arabella muttered. Luna smiled. Luna opened her gift from Riza to find a jacket; hating that Riza was annoyingly looking at her to open the present. “Oh! It’s so pretty!” She laughed. Then she remembered the secret Moon/Lunar flower and dashed to take the map away into her room. She put the jacket in the closet so she wouldn’t have to bother with it later. She put it in her favorite mother-made pouch, which wasn’t too small, it was quite big really. And locked it in her chest. She replaced the key-necklace on her and headed back out. Riza gave her an I-know-your-hiding-something face. Luna looked at her mom for help. “Uh, did you know that Luna’s great-grandma used to tame animals?” Her mom tried. That got Riza’s attention. Riza loved animals like crazy. “Really? What’s that called? I might want that as a job!” Riza loaded Arabella with questions. Luna sat in her next-room bed. She loved her blue-ish door and blue bed. The white walls and her mysterious purple toy block. Most of the time, she would wonder why she had a purple block. She reached for it and noticed something new; Her name was printed on it! A line that wrapped the block showed and she dug her fingernails softly on it. It clicked open revealing a pitch-black empty and supposedly endless hole. Luna stuck her arm down to reach the bottom. But there wasn't one! Luna peard inside with her flashlight, and clumsy dropped it in, a tiny light going down. She turned the block upside down, trying to retrieve her flashlight. But she got more than that. “What the-'' Luna closed her block and stood up staring at the items. She stuffed the block under her bed and shouted, “Mom! Riza! You’ll never-” Riza slammed the door open and tripped on her toys. “You ok?” Luna asked. Luna tripped and fell in a pile of toys. Luna laughed. Trying to dig her frieamy out, she got stuck in a sea of toys. Luna struck something hard beneath her. Ground. She crawled till she reached under her bed and reached out the other side. “Where's Riza?” Luna asked. She wriggled out, dodging the sharp corners. Her mother replied, “Took a dive.” Luna looked back at the mountain of toys behind her. “Who needs a swimming pool when they’ve got this many old toys?” she muttered, as Riza’s head popped out from a mound of alphabet blocks. “Ow,” complained Riza. “Why do you have all these toys? And where were they before now? And how did they all suddenly appear out of thin air? And– OW!” Riza’s grumbles cut off, and she glanced at a large scratch on her arm. Luna winced with sympathy. She herself was scratched up, and she wondered why there were so many sharp edges on toys meant for babies.
>~< “That’s the last of it.” Her mom said to another customer. They had sold half of her toys and the customer just bought their last book for babies. They already had 50 or more dollars, and Riza had left, bandaged and with a funny excuse of “Oh, I got these scratches from a war with baby toys!” They had all laughed at that. “Welp.” Luna said as her mom gave her a drink. “So...hot.” “Well, Um…” Arebella handed her a water bottle. It was cold water, but was getting warmer. “Um, I- Oh Luna. Why is it like this? Make sure you come back, okay?” Arabella said, twiddling with some toy. Luna was confused, but her expression changed quickly. “Oh…” She whispered softly. Already? The hands of fear gripped her heart as she gulped.

















“Thanks, mom,” Luna said while hugging her mom tight. “Your welcome, and good luck, my love,” Arabella said sadly Luna slowly walking backwards out the fence. She stared at the house and its white walls and blue, pink, and yellow front lights. She sucked in all the details and every nook and cranny. This house has so many memories. Luna walked out of the house, then paused. She hesitated. “Mom! I’m gonna miss you!” She said with tears in her eyes. “ Yes-” her mother looked down as they hugged. “Me too. But you have to do this for your safety.” Her mother hesitated. “Here, for you. Please, stay safe... I can’t afford to lose you...too.” She said as she handed her her family picture from her wallet. Arabella walked to the doorstep. “Luna? I’m going to clean your room.” Luna nodded. She stared past the door to her room. And through her window, she saw Arabella picking up the now-closed purple block. No! She thought as she ran to get it. “Want this?” She asked. “Yes!” Luna said, as her mom let it fly onto her palm. Luna also grabbed her pouch out of the chest. As she slung it over her shoulder and headed out with her mom, she pondered on a faded memory. Screaming of victory and for death. A faded picture of tiny hands grabbing a little blue rope… That was it. Then something came barging into the memory: “Swordbolt-” Something happened. A shriek pierced the air. “Mightybolt!” It rang so loud and clear it hurt to hear it. Luna couldn’t make out what was happening. There was too much chaos. Clutching her ears didn’t work. Luna opened her eyes and snapped out of the memory. Her heartbeat normally once again. But there was something familiar in the memory. It was a memory so it would be familiar. But she felt a voice she recently heard...in a different emotion in that memory. Reluctantly, she tried to see it again. A full moon was all she saw. “Mom? Do you know-” She tried to remember the name. “Mightybolt?” Arabella gave a stare. “That’s your father.” She sighed. “Oh.” Luna stared past the purple leaves on the trees of the neighboring forest. “What happened to him? Why didn’t he ever come back?” When Luna didn’t get a reply, she realized what she had been missing. She had hope. It kept her from the truth. But still, was the truth? It kept her from the truth of what had happened to her father, her brother, and her memory. All her memory was normal. But normal would remember things at age five. Luna started remembering at age 7. She looked at the map. Written by her own father. She recognized his handwriting from the journals. Luna traced the lines, strangely starting at her house, but it was her dad. Maybe her dad was strange. A strange dad is any dad. Luna wanted any dad. She wanted a dad. Her mom gave her the money they had made. “Why?” She asked. “You’ll see that it’ll be useful.” Her mother said. And now she was headed for the forest no one cared to go. People had searched for decades to see if Lunars were hiding around here. Lunars didn’t have the ears and tail or wings that humans have. That was what Luna had that her brother didn’t that made her so well camouflaged. Everything she knew was more from the journals her dad drew and wrote in. Like how important it was for Lunars to keep some secrets. And how anything with the word moon was most likely the Lunars’ things. Like the Moon den. And earlier, she had been reading her dad’s journals about transforming into Moon-form, or transforming into a wolf. One of the special things Lunars could do that other people could not. It was the controlled version of a werewolf, but of course, a regular, everyday wolf was the shape of the moon-form. If a human tried to cross the Lunars border, and use magic to be one, they would get a werewolf. She hesitated. She would miss Arabella. And home. But her memories were with her. She took out the picture her mom just gave her. Luna looked up at the half moon. Now she searched the front border of the forest with newfound power. >~< Luna didn’t have any bad feeling about going to the forest, but she didn’t want to go today. I might as well not have a choice. Luna thought carefully knowing that if she might make a mistake before getting to the ‘safe zone’ she could die. Some traps were poisonous and the stench was awful. She slowly and carefully walked in making sure to have dodged all of the traps she could have gotten in. Traps are known to keep people out… or to keep something in? Luna then knew why. “The tunnel opening.” She muttered. “But…” She realized the humans were the ones who set the traps. So… It was to trap Lunars. Her eyes stared and her feet wouldn’t budge. She saw that there was a tunnel, it said on the map. But… the trap… She took a stick at putting it over the trap. SNAP! The was a loud crack in the air as the trap clamped its jaws around the stick. If sunk into a pile of leaves. The leaves opened revealing a dimly lit up hole. Two wolves looked up. They snarled at Luna, seeming to try and scare her away. “I know your Howlers.” Luna rolled her eyes. “And I know you’re human.” Growled the first one. “Wait, what?” Luna twisted her ears to the first one. “Oh. Yeah. The ears, the tail, the look. Have you ever heard the saying ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’?” Luna asked. “You’re not a book.” The second pointed out. “Wait, you’re a Half Lunar?” His eyes widened. “So what she might be tricking us. There's a human sent on her anyway.” Luna sighed. “I’m Luna. A Lunar. And other proof is that my dad is Mightybolt.” the wolves looked at each other in dismay. “Mightybolt? You mean the-” “SHUSH!” The second one interrupted. “Guys. I’m not naming you second one and first wolf so please introduce yourselves,” Luna said, jumping in the hole. Her eyes adjusted quickly. “I’m Oswald,” Oswald said, glancing at his partner. “And his name is Grumpy.” “Could never be more wrong!” “Grumpy” said. “I’m Heirlen.” “Oh, how long is it to the Moon den?” Luna asked. “A long way. Just till you can’t hear us chit chatting.” Oswald answered. The torches on the wall in the tunnel flickered menacingly. Hungry for something to burn. “Huh, where is everyone?” “Oh. The next Howlers are pretty far. Miles away maybe.” Heirlen answered. Through the torches, a gust of wind and someone running came through. Luna stared at the darkness. Who was that? I thought there was no one for miles. “Well, you said that there’s nobody down for miles...and, I thought that I saw something…” She said, turning around slowly, also suspicious of her surroundings. “Well, actually no. I did not say that. I said there is no Howler for miles. There’s a bunch of Lunars that come and go.” he said calmly. So that’s what it was, another Lunar! Luna now finally believed it. She wasn’t alone.















Chapter 5

Oswald knew he liked how kind Luna was, and saw that she was really a Lunar. Lunar scent faded, but on her. Oswald felt speechless for a moment and he looked at his partner. Oh man. Oswald thought. I am not in love. Oswald hoped that was what ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hey, why don’t you get to your room?” Oswald asked, regaining his voice which bounced off the tunnel walls. “You know, we can sense night and day differences.” “I know.” Luna said, shrugging. “We can also tell by the hole in the ceiling you left,” Heirlen said, looking up. They all laughed. Luna waved and said goodbye, then starting running to her next destination. Apparently, she had to stop because she passed the next Howlers, and needed directions. She started slowing down, but before slowing completely, she had to brake quickly. “Ahhh!” she screamed, tucking and preparing to crash. She had collided into someone. While they rolled down the hallway Luna put her hands on the ground for grip to stop but the ground was smooth and soft. Hey, that’s that… the...guy I saw in a flash...it was him! But...how’d he get here so quickly? Before she could figure anything out they crashed into a wall. “Haha!” he had a really funny laugh. “That was great! I wish I could do that again! But it’s not every day the prince gets to do that!” He seemed hyped. Luna’s jaw dropped “You...you're the Prince?” Luna asked. “Yeah… nothing cool though. Name is Firefur, yours?” “Nice to meet you, uh, Prince Firefur! My name is Luna. I’ll be a part of the Moon den soon!” She said, happy to meet someone her height. “My father was one of the Lunars...until he died in war,” she said sadly. “I’m also sorry about crashing into you,” she said as another girl Lunar walked in. Then the girl froze. She gaped. “Oh my goodness. You have to be kidding me, what did you do? Play mud ball?” “That’s my sister,” Firefur muttered. “My older sister.” He added. Prince Firefur was annoyed, but let his sister hand him a Wet wipe, which he used to wipe the dirt off him. His sister kindly gave Luna one too. “You aren't acting weird or anything,” Firefur observed, still wiping the dust of his arm. “Well, we don’t have a prince, and in the town nearby, that comes out a lot. And his name is Prince weirdo, of weirdo land.” She joked. My sister is Princess Starfur. Princess Starfur, meet Luna.” He said in a fancy, but joking, voice. “Stop mimicking dad,” She said. “Nice to meet you, my brother’s new friend.” She said to Luna, ignoring her brother’s eye roll. “Why don’t you go to your den?” Prince Firefur asked. Actually, why are you even here? We aren't normally roaming around in these hallways.” “Oh, uh, well… My dad uh, my dad and my brother, um, were gone to the war, and they left me a map leading to the Moon den, as a birthday present,” Luna said, trying not to let it sound sad. (it still couded sad) “Oh, I’m sorry. ER, the den your talking about is uh, farther. They say that it’s fine to go up, because humans never go there anymore but we don’t go there anyway. We think it’s dangerous, but they keep getting people to go up there! They visit the king, then someone goes up there.” Firefur yawned, sleepy. “You can come with us.” Firefur suggested. “You need to sleep anyway. Come on! Follow us!” He said laughing and running. Luna followed her new royal friends. As they ran, Starfur changed into her Moonform. “Cool!” Luna was happy, it was her first time seeing it. Starfur looked proud that she started prancing, and then ran again. “Teach those horses we can prance too,” mumbled Starfur. Luna laughed. “I’m fifteen years old.” Starfur said, focusing on her brother. “It’s nice to have Night-sight.” She said. “You know, seeing in the dark, but really well? It’s good so that we can attack because humans can’t see as well as we can in the dark.” she panted. “We're here!” Exclaimed Prince Firefur. Wow, that’s… That’s beautiful. Luna thought. In the underground city, there was a white castle, four towers facing west, north, east, and south. A big tower in the middle. That was the castle. Right above the middle tower was a tiny hole where moonlight shone through, and it shone like a candle light, a bit brighter. And though the hole was small, it somehow spread light to all the sides of the town. The town was a dome-shaped place. rainbow colored buildings at the side. “We need the hole so we can get our moon power,” informed Princess Starfur. Luna smiled. She would learn a lot from here. “Your house is over there.” She said kindly pointing to a beautiful seafoam green and moon white hut. It was a beautiful house and walking closer, the bed looked so fluffy. “ Haha! I love it! My own little house!” She said. “Thank you.” she said, looking back at them. Luna felt a little bit strange. Did she…? She did. Luna liked the Prince. I wonder if all the girls like the prince. Luna thought. It was possible. After all, he asked the question of why she wasn’t so different around him. Maybe others were, because they liked him. And like the rest, he might not like me back. Luna thought. No, no, stop that Luna, you don’t know whether he does or not. We’ll just wait and see. “Good night!” she said, awkwardly getting in the hut. She looked around. Her house was nice and clean, other than the floor so Luna wore her shoes in the hut. The bed was just like a regular, twin size bed with railings of many tiny details Luna was too tired to see. A clothing rack hung, with many dresses and shirts, pants, and skirts. All of different sizes for boys and girls. A jewelry box stood on a shelf with a mirror hanging. There were three drawers under the place where the jewelry box, (which was wide open) and the top drawer was open, revealing tissues, wet wipes, toilet paper, and a lone pencil next to a stack of papers. In the second drawer was a pencil sharpener, another pencil, and an eraser. The third drawer, at the bottom of it all, was empty. There was a chair with wheels, and the whole house was one room. The nightstand was a mini fridge with a wood square stuck to it, and on the wood was a lamp that did work. The lamp was decorated with pictures that Luna didn’t bother to look at, she was tired and bored. A tiny bookshelf was located near the door, and in the mini fridge was two newly put sandwiches. Luna saw them and did not know how things went, so she did not bother to eat them. Luna put the picture that her mother gave her on the nightstand. She left that in her pouch and put her pouch on the desk. She ate half of her sandwich. This place is cool. She thought, laying in her bed. But I better get some sleep. Tomorrow, I have a lot to figure out… And Luna fell asleep.















Chapter 6 The next day, Luna woke up early. The sound of the castle bells kept on ringing. Luna hopped off her bed. The floor was covered in dust and was more like a dirt floor than wood. She went around her house still a bit sleepy. She saw a school around the corner. Oh...She thought, sleepy. Why? Why why why? School? It’s just the start! Luna looked around realizing that there were more schools at least a mile apart. She slumped onto the floor and stood up again to get dressed. Luna groaned. “And I thought that this could be a vacation.” She walked towards the nearest school. She came to the front. And neated her crumpled shirt and jacket. “Wristband!” the guard commanded. “What?” Luna asked. Feeling silly. “336Wristband.” the guard repeated. “You know, like...oh. Are you new?” Luna attempted to run back to her hut. “Nope.” Said the guard. “You are not going anywhere.” He said. “You need a graded test. To find out which school you belong in.” The guard said, pulling Luna by the collar. Luna finally got out of his grip and followed him. “Where are we going?” She asked. “And yes, I’m new.” “I’m taking you to the old battlefield. Don’t worry, we don't use it to battle anymore. Now we use it to test your grade skills by taking what we call the qualification test.” He said seating her on a chair. Luna stared at the paper. She looked at the place to put her name. She took her time, answering many random questions. About her, her family, math, language arts, history and so on. Taking her time she reached the last question. She took a deep breath and hoped she could just leave. She strained to hear what some people that had been behind the curtains. (Loudly eating donuts was how she knew they were there.) She knew they must’ve been teachers. Just like principles from different schools. Maybe each school was a grade. That was Luna’s theory of how things worked around here. “But...and ….so...wait….but that means….yes...fine.” Was all she could hear. The teachers came out. “You only have one class.” Said one. “Moon-form class.” “With me!” said someone coming out of a door Luna never saw. Then Luna realized there wasn’t a door. It was a broken gate where the people about to battle would be until the battle started. “My name is Nightseeker. I love black. Oh hi! My name Is Nightseeker. Thanks for talking to me! Bye! Oh, and My name is Nightseeker!” Nightseeker left. Luna thought she knew what she was headed for but she would rest it off. For now. Time was short but long. She’d just wait.















Chapter 7 “So…” Luna trailed off. “Yup.” They said simualisly. Luna studied them, and realized they looked similar to each other, like if they were from the same family. “What?” Luna said confusedly. “A class? But what about the school?” She asked the teachers with surprised faces. “Wouldn’t you be lucky though?” Said the one with glasses. “You’ll only have a class! Here!” She exclaimed. “What?” Luna asked. “Wait, I can...go…? “Yes.” said the teachers. “ You need to come back here at 7:00 p.m. though.” “Oh...! Okay.” Luna said, running off. Huh. The more Luna thought about it the luckier she felt. I AM lucky. But now what will I do? She thought Coming into her room bored and laying down, spread wide across on her bed. Even the prince has school… She thought. She sat up and looked down. Then saw the dirty floor. Oh! I can clean this up! She thought happily that there was SOMETHING for her to do. She looked around. Huh...there’s no broom. No wonder that this room is so messy. She still remembered her girl scout class of making items, so she went out to find supplies. 10 minutes later… “Done!” Luna said happily of her creation. She started sweeping the floor starting from the back. Then a memory of yesterday popped up. Mom... She thought while sweeping the floor. Then she put down her pouch on the table and looked inside the desk drawer. It wasn’t empty and as dusty as she expected. She found a water bottle, wet wipes, tissues, toilet paper ( why that?), and tape. She took the wet wipes ( which were still wet somehow.) and wiped the floor till it shined... With her dirty footprints. Argh! Luna thought, angry. At least I have more to do. She thought, cleaning her shoes then the floor all over again. Finally! Luna thought when she finished, wiping the sweat on her head with a tissue. What do I do now? Luna thought, looking at her watch. It’s only noon. Wait, oh. I know. Lunchtime! She thought, hungry after all that work. She ate her sandwich. What do I do? I don’t have any more food left. She walked outside and moved her desk table to the front near the door so before she went in she could keep the floor clean. Then she saw a pile of food for the adults. Hehe… I’m not interested in mice yet. Aaaayuck. She thought, walking away from the pile. Luna decided to take a walk. She went over to where she met Oswald. Oswald noticed her coming. “Hi Luna!” Oswald said, happy she was there. “Wait, I have a few questions,” Oswald asked about the school and how she wasn’t there. Luna explained her story. “And so I decided to visit you!” Luna finished. “ Oh wow!” Oswald said. “ You know you should get to your house. They drop food at your house every eating time. And don’t worry, It’s not mice.” Oswald laughed. “Thanks for talking to me,” Luna said, happy that she would get to eat. Then she went back to her hut. She took off her shoes, cleaned them, and put the food they left for her in the cool box. She decided to just eat the desert. She didn’t like fish either. After she finished eating, the school bell rang. Luna looked at her watch. It’s only 1:30 though. The school can’t be over… so that means it’s recess. Without school, It was harder to find something to do. She went out to see what she could do, but It felt impossible to try and get over the sea of kids. Finally, she found a bench and sat on it tiredly panting. Suddenly everyone disappeared to another corner and Prince Firefur appeared beside her. Some nearby girls whispered to each other just about to create a rumor when Prince Firefur looked at Luna. Luna noticed that he knew what she wanted and glared at the girls. Luna giggled and tried covering her mouth but Prince Firefur noticed and smiled. “Hi.” Prince Firefur said. Not knowing what else to talk about, Luna just said. “Hi” “Hey, so wanna talk about school?” He asked. “What’s there to talk about?” Luna asked. “Why you don’t have school, and the prince that can control schools has to have school.” Luna laughed at this, and then thought for a moment. “Who do you think likes you?” She asked. “Why do you ask?” Firefur asked back, his face with ciriousaty. Luna shrugged her shoulders. “Have you heard any gossip?” Firefur guessed. “No, at least not really.” Luna tried to word her sentence but she could only a little. She didn’t know what to say, and it was hard to speak. “Eatheir it’s the fact that a cat got my tongue saying, or I wave something called the speakers block.” They laughed and joked for some time, then exchanged tiny stories. “Sorry, time to go back to BORING class,” Firefur said after a while. The big bell rang. “Now it’s time to go.” “Ok,” Luna said, holding out her hands grandly. “Welcome to a boring world where your house is white, you have school every second, and your teacher talks non-stop.” Luna joked. “Haha!” Prince Firefur laughed another loud laugh. With all the chattering around them, it wasn’t that loud. “Uh, want to er, take a walk later?” Firefur asked, trying to walk backwards and find words to say. “Sure!” Luna replied, waving good-bye. “Bye!”He said, waving, then turning around to the castle.















Chapter 8 Luna watched as kids hurried to their classes. She now sat on an empty swing and started swinging. Luna watched as the Prince ran away towards the castle door. She stared as he disappeared behind the gold doors and into his castle. She remembered a staircase to the open when she was looking for supplies to make a broom. It was a bad brom but it was a broom. She jumped off the swing and started walking towards the side of the underground hideout. At the side of the whole den, there was a staircase leading up to the open. Luna climbed up, noticing how she was in a different place. Nowhere near the entrance. Still blighted by the sudan light, she caught a glimpse of tiny creatures floating around the area while her eyes adjusted. This must be a safe place. If it wasn’t, then they would put guards here too. She looked around. This still looks like Aroa. She kept looking around. In front of here, the most beautiful magical looking waterfall glowed beneath the sunset. She started walking towards it but wasn’t trying to. It’s a spell! She thought. She strained to go backward before getting any closer. The spell let go, and she tumbled backward. She dug her hands to the floor and pulled herself to a stop. Carefully, she went closer but made grip so she wasn’t pulled in. She looked in the pool where the river ended and saw little water figures playing. Water sprites. She thought, fascinated. Water Sprites were fairies or water spirits that breathe water. She had read about them many times. But she knew not to bother them. If she ended up looking like a threat to them she could drown. Water sprites drowned anybody who tried threatening them. She slowly backed up. Then went back down the stairs. She yawned sleepily since it was still day. I’ll just go to bed and sleep for an hour… She fell onto her bed without setting the timer and quickly fell asleep. She woke up at the sound of yelling. She sat up yawning. Then looked outside. The kids were playing again. Is it a second recess? She thought sleepily. She looked at the time. 6:45!!!!!!! WHY IS TIME SO FAST!! Hurry! She thought angry that she had slept for more than an hour. She ran to the battlefield. She checked her watch. 6:55. She wasn’t late. But she WAS early. She stepped inside not knowing if her teacher was ready for her. “Ahh!” her teacher said. Luna walked towards the middle clutching her pouch with the Moonflower. “ So you are Luna eh?” Her teacher said, still not even looking. “ Yes,” Luna said. The teacher looked old, she had long gray hair and was graceful in all her movements. Luna was surprised that her back was still straight. Unlike her other teachers, Luna thought she would have a great time with this teacher. This teacher seemed like she would turn everything interesting and fun. He. hmph, She was wearing a smile when she turned around. “ Ok! My name is Nightseeker.” Nightseeker said as if she had no problems, like if the war was never there in the first place. As if everything was alright and fine. But for some reason, Luna felt relaxed for the first time that day. She woke up the next day and fell back asleep, still tired and woozy. The school bells kept ringing and she couldn’t do anything about it, she swept the floor till it shimmered and gleamed and then the bell stopped ringing. Then she fell asleep again. She woke up with someone or something shaking her. At first, she thought it was an earthquake but it felt like she was being touched by something. Two hands… she thought sleepily. ugh...stop..I want to SLEEP….she opened her eyes to a blurry but familiar face. “Firefur?” She guessed. “Yup! It’s me!” He said excitedly.” What are you doing here?” She asked, trying to wake up. “Why would I not be here? Wake up would you?” He laughed obviously excited about something. “Ok! Ok! I’m coming! She said brushing her hair with the extra supplies for the broom and had made a hairbrush. “You look sleepy AND pretty today.” The Prince complimented. “Ha! Sure.” Said Luna more awake than before. She opened the drawer to put the hair bush back in. Then she spotted the tissue box. Carefully, she snuck some in her pocket. You’ll never know when you need some! She thought, smiling and closing the drawer. “Hurry up!” Firefur called waiting outside. “Where are we going anyway?” Luna asked, still looking around feeling odd that everyone around her was watching here be pulled away by the Prince. “My mother and my father wants to meet you.” He replied happily but still not looking at her. As they went to the front door of the castle two grugy looking guards bowed down and opened the door mumbling “Welcome Luna and Prince Firefur.” Luna walked inside and then at that moment servants from everywhere offered multiple Items for both of them. Luna just took the fish crackers and the milk. They started walking towards the throne room. The golden door was covered head to toe with details of dragons to fairies. From unicorns to mermaids. With every magical animal, she could think of. As Luna looked around Prince Firefur said “It’s beautiful eh? Well not to spoil anything but if you lived here your whole life it becomes the most BORING thing in the universe.” He said, noticing her wowed expression. Luna laughed. “So why exactly does he want to meet me?” Luna asked already knowing the answer but wanting to get it out of the Prince himself. “I’ll tell you sometime later.” He said, smirking. “When it’s a better time.” “Huh. I think I know why.” Luna said. “ Really?” The Prince asked, not changing his facial expression. “Yes, I think I do. It’s just harder to get it from the person himself.” She said wearing the same smirk. “ Anyway.” Prince Firefur said, probably not wanting to get any further on that subject. Then also stopped smirking and looked at the door.“ We're here. Try pushing the door!” He joked as Luna stared at the big door. “ No way am I getting tricked into pushing this thing,” Luna replied, tapping the door five times. The door opened. “ Wait, What?” Luna said amazed. “Yeah…” the Prince said with a face that read ‘how’d she know?’ “You tap five times and it opens the door.” Prince Firefur said, scratching his head. “Hi Dad!” he said, running in his father's arms. Luna wanted to cry in tears but didn’t. She didn’t have a father. And seeing this was making her remember her mother. I hope she’s ok. She thought while not knowing what to do. She stood frozen in sight of the king. She had never learned anything about royalty and what to do when you meet the king. “Hello hello!” Prince Firefur’s dad said. “It’s ok, I know they didn’t teach you anything royal.” Firefur’s father said in a deep voice. “ What’s your name? Oh wait, Luna? Is that right?” He said in a deep booming voice. Luna took a quiet but deep breath and said, “Yes, My name is Luna. Nice to meet you king...Um...sorry, I just-” “You may call me King Fiercefur.” The king said kindly. “ Um… yes,” she hesitated.” Nice to meet you King Fiercefur.” “Yes, yes, now that I meet you I would like to talk to my son.” He said dismissively. As Luna turned to go to her hut confused, the King said, “Wait! Where are you going? You're going the wrong way. Come here.” Then Luna became more confused than ever. “You may go to your provided room in the castle. You also get a maid.” Luna, now so confused she could hardly think, she didn’t notice the boy who came in the room. Then she did. And something was very familiar about him.















Chapter 9 “Hi.” He said. “Uh…” Luna looked at him. “Oh no,” King Fiercefur sighed. “New girl? Human?” The boy asked. “You look familiar.” He continued. “So do you.” Luna replied. He frowned. “Want to go to the Forbidden forest?” He asked. “You could be a help to our numbers,” he continued. “My name’s-” “Wait. No. Stop there. Forbidden forest? You mean the one above there? Like, climb the staircase, then you’re in a forest… Da da da?” Luna asked. “Blah blah blah, then turn left right, keep going or blah? Yeah. Then you meet our village. Where the moon den is!” He answered. Luna looked at his face. He had a scar around his left eye but it was really faded. His hair had a blue strand which spun around a couple of hair strands and was dirty and a bit moist looking. His hair was like Luna’s; a dark brown. His hair was a bit lighter, like her mother’s dirty blond hair. His eyes were golden blue. Which was weird. Luna realized she didn’t know her own eye color. “The moon den…?” She trailed off. “You're my brother…” She looked through faint memories. Soft hands flew up to meet a blue strand. The full moon glistened with promise. Luna saw a soft smile through a dirty, bloody face. The boy left and came back with worried eyes. He looked stronger now, powered by something, and rushed, leaving the tiny hands behind. Leaving Luna behind. Leaving Arabella behind. “I’m your what?” He asked. “You left mother! You left us! You were alive this whole time and you just- just…” Luna was angry, confused, and many other things but she stayed. “Go get father.” She commanded. “Uh…” He looked as if he was gonna tell another thing. Ask another question. “Go. Get. Father.” “Who’s-” the older boy stuttered. “Mine. Yours. Yours.” Luna interrupted. She walked backwards off the room the king had given her and watched as the boy walked away, stunned. She ran to her room and washed up, putting on a skirt and a white t-shirt. No accessories. Luna told herself. She didn’t like heavy accessories, or how things felt around her neck. A few minutes later, her “brother” came in with a man with the same kind gold-blue eyes. “Are you Mightybolt?” Luna choked the words and repeated stroger, using her anger, but using confusion to lighten the tone. “Yes…?” He cocked his head for a second, then his jaw hit the floor. “Uh, why don’t you sit?” Luna said, pointing to a chair-stool next to her. Luna’s room was big. The walls were white, the carpet was hazelnut and the items were wooden, but carved so carefully that Luna thought if she tried making it she would use up her whole life making one artifact. Luna’s dad transformed into a wolf. He curled up on the carpet. “Seriously dad?” her ‘brother’ complained. “What’s your name?” Luna asked, ignoring her brother's ridiculous remark. “Sword Bolt.” Luna stared at him. “Tommy.” he said. “He’s Swordbolt.” Mightybolt muttered. “So, bolt is our last name or something?” Luna asked. “Yeah. You’re Lunabolt.” Swordbolt said. “Okay Swordfish.” Luna joked. “Swordbolt,” he corrected. “Right.” Luna smiled. Then frowned. She wanted to run away, she hated the feeling of… whatever she felt. It was awful. Her dad, her dad had left her. And her brother. Brother. Dad. Those words left her since she was a baby. If this was her father and mother and she thought he was dead, then why did he leave? He had left a lie so they wouldn’t have to worry. But all he did was make her mother worry more. For a second she thought her face was red. No Luna, Don’t be mad with your first meeting with your maybe-father! Luna thought. But it was still hard to ignore the look her dad’s face had. It was an awkward silence, no, not awkward, but still silence. “So, you’re my daughter…” Luna’s dad said. Luna just nodded. “You look… different from those years ago. Luna, right?” Luna’s dad asked, curiosity taking over after knowing that his wife was safe. “I know this is really confusing for you, but it’s the truth.” Mightybolt started. “Y-You’re my father!” Luna said, tears welling up. “You ARE alive.” She whispered. Then she felt angry; All sorts of emotions. “Why, Why did you make me and mother think you two where DEAD?” Luna exclaimed. “W-Well-I...Uh.” Mightybolt stuttered and glanced sheepishly at angry-Luna. Luna sighed. “I guess I’m glad you’re alive,” Luna said softly. “I’m sorry.” Her father said. Luna sighed. “It's ok.” She said, leaving silence.















Chapter 10 Luna and her father sat in silence. “Stop.” She said as her brother waved his blue hair strand thing in her face. “Aww...used to like it.” He complained. “As a baby probably, but she’s much bigger; And different.” Her father said, glaring at sad-Swordbolt. Luna laughed. “So, to get on topic, where have you been all these years?” Luna asked. Was that weird? Ugh. Luna thought. “We’ve been…in the forgotten forest… Outside. If you go up that staircase a long way away. When the Humans started getting back up and things, some Lunars went underground with the Royal family. Later, the Kind insisted on coming out, but we, some of us, decided to stay. We thought it’d still be dangerous, I did want to come out so, well. We went to the forest and, there...are somehow no humans.” said Mightybolt. “Woah…” Luna said. But then her brother cut in. “I totally saved your life when you were born! Because I killed people that were going to ki-” “Wait, what?” Luna said, surprised again. “Anyway, there were men coming to kill you, and stuff.” Luna knew she should have said “thank you” or something, but nothing came out. Perhaps she was thinking too hard. They once again sat in silence. Why can’t I be less awkward? Thought Luna. I guess… I’ll have to get used to this. Luna thought sarcastically in her mind. Ugh, I should get an excuse to get out of here. “Uh, dad? Swordfish-? Tail-? Butt? Sorry... I-I have to go meet up with a friend,” Luna knew she was lying, but... “IT’S SWORDBOLT!!!” Luna’s brother yelled, slapping his hands on his lap, trying to get to Luna, as her dad laughed and said, “Go, Luna. I will keep your brother here, he won’t go anywhere,” Mightybolt was holding her brother’s shirt collar to keep him in place. Luna ran out the door, she could hear Swordbolt muttering, “Swordbutt. Where’d she get that?” Luna laughed and ran for her class. “Don’t be late.” Luna muttered. “Ahh, You know you're still an early bird. And the early bird gets the best lessons of all!” Nightseeker said. “I am?” Luna asked. She looked at her watch. It was perfectly the EXACT time. Well, by 1 minute… She thought. “So, what would you like to do today? Would you like to chat about your day, or yesterday's exercise?” Nightseeker asked. “Uh, I- don’t know?” she said. “We do need more practice...what about that?” Nightseeker asked. “Ok.” Luna replied, sure this time. Nightseeker might have been the only transforming teacher, but she was still the best. “Feel as if you have now transformed. On a hill. Peace. Quiet. Wind blowing. What can you hear?” Nightseeker went with the class called ‘to be a wolf feel the wolf inside you’ or something like that. Mouse. The word erupted in her head as she caught the skittering mouse at the corner. “Good. Now kill it.” The mouse scrambled as if it understood Nightseeker. “Don’t let it die scared. Let it die painless.” Nightseeker advised. Luna hesitated and paused. “You do it,” she said, “I don’t have the form. I don't have claws. Teeth. Anything. Go ahead or I’m letting it go.” Sighing, Nightseeker stayed still. Luna let it go, making a Howler jump at it, killing it. “Reflexes are good. But you don’t need the form to do things.” Nightseeker said. For once, Luna didn’t feel the same. In my human form, I won’t kill. She sat there, still and silent. “Wait.” Nightseeker examined her. “Huh?” Nightseeker started talking to… no one apparently. “But, how?” Luna heard her mutter. “Your part of something called the W-O-L-V-E-S.” She said at last. “That sounds like something I could ask anyone. Like, what’s a wolf? And they could answer.” “Thats different. I mean, W, O, L, V, E, S. The group of Lunars about your age with a mark and a dream.” “About that, what is W-O-L- Can we call it WOLVES?” “Sure. WOLVES is a group.” Uh oh. This sounds cheesy. “Each has a diamond.” Nightseeker said. Definitely cheesy. Please not be about me… Luna crossed her fingers. “Why did you cross your finger?” Nightseekeer asked. “I’m not blind.” “Never said you were.” Luna answered. Nightseeeker sighed. “Oh well, we need to train you and say things slowly. Here’s a book for you. It has everything you need...almost.” Nightseeker handed out an old looking black book. As Luna reached for it Nightseeker said, “Okay! Book later, training now!” Luna laughed. This is like P.E. from school. She thought. But better She added.















Chapter 11 After the lesson, Luna went home with the black book. She opened it to the first page. The book, a dark blue mistaken to be black, had a white title reading: WOLVES. She knew no one would want to read this unless they had some sort of school assignment. The first page was supposedly another cover, but instead, it showed a ripped page. I bet it’s not important, She thought, adding, It’s just the title again, right? Luna was right, but something still felt missing. The ‘second’ page showed a number 1 at the bottom right corner. She started reading. A Lunar, a well-known being, is as important as any other thing. A Lunar is a bridge, between humans and wolves. If we don’t have them, our wonderful world, Aura, will be unbalanced. One more kind is similar; the Howlers. A half coyote half wolf, possess things similar to a Lunar. Luna paused. Half...coyote? Oswald was a Coyote? For some reson, she thought of her mom. Her mom’s tail was… her mom’s dad must've been half-lunar! Meaning that Arabella was ¼ human and ¼ Lunar. Her mother’s mother was a coyote? So, her mother was ⅓ of them all? But then Luna was a mix… Luna realized why Oswald didn’t recognize her as a Lunar. Maybe her Lunar scent was faint. I’m lucky to have more Lunar then. She thought.She started reading from chapter one. She sighed. There wasn’t anything interesting for a while, until she reached this: Without Lunars or Howlers, Aroa will be in danger. The shield will open having many humans from earth discovering us and our world will be attacked, not to mention go flying off to nowhere. Each Luner die is a new moon rising. If no Lunar dies for three days that moon will disappear. Luna realized what was happening. If she wanted the two Lunars that are getting killed everyday to stop, she would have to talk to two kings, and she would do it. She could try. But should I? Luna pondered on this for a long time until falling asleep. But should I do it? Will it be a good idea?>~< Luna yawned. Sunlight filtered through the hay straws above her. “I don’t feel like I’m ready to see a king…” she yawned. “Gah! I probably don’t look ready either!” She brushed her hair into a tight braid. A red ribbon in a bow. Perfect. “And some accessories. I guess.” She said pathetically. She placed a necklace into place. “There. Time to go if I want to make a trip to the Human Palace today!” She ran into the castle and waited at her room. “Hi,” She said to her father and brother. “I need that phone, I need to make a- two appointments with two kings! Let me call our king.” Luna said as quickly as she could. Apparently, her brother and father were still sleeping. Mightybolt yawed. “Wait wait wait, first, not our king. Yours or something. We don’t live here anymore. We took to the opening. Or if you go up those stairs nearby. We were planning to attack the king so we could all go up there and underground was the Howlers-” “Okay cool- wait- not cool. But I have to hurry- gimme the phone I can’t just barge in I need to make a quick appointment!” She rushed. “UGH. LET ME GO TO SLEEeeeep.” Swordbolt moaned. “I was having a dream about… Hey, is mom alive?” Swordbolt suddenly said. “Yes, gimme the phone already.” Luna made the call and left to the throne room where she almost bumped into Firefur. “I'm coming. Uh, and pick a guard?” “I don’t even know anyone. Oh. Except Oswald and Heirlen.” She answered. “Heirlen is a pain to work with.” He muttered. Luna smiled. “If you’re coming, pack up and I’ll go call him.” She said. “Who?” Firefur looked at her with wide eyes. laughed. Then frowned as someone sketched his face and gave the paper to her. She showed it to Firefur and he smiled. “I'll make sure not to do that.” He joked. “I meant Oswald. I’ll go get him.” She replied to the questions from a few comments before. Firefur nodded and left. “But there’s so much time.” She suddenly said and stopped in her tracks. She went back. “Firefur!” She called. “Yeah?” He yelled back. “Change of plans. Tomorrow, we will make a plan. Also, we need to get a disguise and train if anything happens. I also need to study. “Good plan. Uh, of the first plan.” “We have a lot of time so better use it wisely. I’ll tell Oswald. I know we can do this. We’re gonna save the world.” Luna smiled. “We’re gonna save the Lunars and Howlers.” Firefur continued. “We’re gonna save the wolves.” Epilogue “How does it work?” The deep voice asked. “Put it on the girl. She will never win the war. She will never find her gem. She will slowly realize to not go to the king.” “I NEED SOMETHING FASTER!” The voice boomed. “Fastest I have. It will take a week for them to reach the king.” Coins clinked in the dark. “This better work.” The shadowy person said. “It will. But I warn you,” The witch hissed. “It will not work, you put on the wrong person. If it comes onto someone's hands it will not work on another person until the spell is finished. “Where is the girl?” the shadow asked. Coins clicked as a light shined around the room. The water stored and showed three wolves. “The white one. If you put on the others though they might convince her. She likes one of them.” “No. It’ll be on the girl. Hey, you! Put this one the White wolf. The girl. DON’T MESS UP!” He roared. “Yes master.” Taking the bracelet. He left. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (A month later after Luna arrived.) “I live in the Forgotten forest, I have to go back.” Luna’s dad, Mightybolt said, pointing at the staircase. “Time there is different.” They said goodbye and parted. “See you tomorrow, and that, I promise.? Luna’s brother, Swordbolt said winking. “I wonder why your brother is weirder than you.” Starfur said. “I heard that!” Swordbolt cried, walking backwards. “He was adopted! From under the bridge!!” Mightybolt hollered. Luna didn’t know if he was joking or not. “What?” Swordbolt said. Soon they were gone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (10 months later) “Hmm.” Starfur whispered. “Firefur.” She whispered. Pulling him aside. He smiled a humongous smile. “Tomorrow?!” He yelled-whispered. Starfur nodded. They whispered to each other for a little while. “Ooh, maybe we can...whisper whisper… and also… whisper whisper.” It went on like that and each time Firefur got hyper. Oswald walked over and asked what was happening. Luna tried to forget about it. She didn’t need more things to think about. She could just start planning the way into the village, tell the king the things, then out again. Or maybe it’d be harder. Luna didn’t know,